Wagner Travel - The Harris' Explore Scotland

Day 1 - Tuesday 21^st May - To the North

On arrival at Edinburgh airport, you will be met by your main driver guide and you’ll set off on your Highland adventure.  Heading north out of the city there will be lots of options to stop off to stretch your legs or explore some castles before you arrive at your boutique hotel.

Tonight, you will begin your time in whisky country with a local storyteller.  Sit back and relax with a dram in hand as the myths and legends wash over you and transport you back in time and under the skin of this ancient land.

Overnight: Aberlour | Dowans Hotel
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 22^nd May - Spirit and Spice and All Things Nice

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.

Overnight: Aberlour | Dowans Hotel
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 23^rd May - The heart of Whisky Country

Today you will head into the heart of Speyside and explore this landscape which produces some of the most famous whisky in the world. Start with a tour of the UK’s only working cooperage, where oak casks are created or repaired using traditional methods. You will see the fruits of their labour in distillery warehouses all over Scotland, but here you can see the processes in action at incredible speed.  Then spend the rest of the day travelling through the valley – perhaps stopping off at a distillery for a tour, or maybe at a castle to follow in the footsteps of the ancient clan chiefs.

After an incredible day, continue over the hills to your next accommodation in a quiet village that oozes luxury and comfy sofas to sink into after a long day.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 24^th May - Hiking in Balmoral and a Royal Lochnagar Distillery Tour

This morning, head out with your guide for a stunning hike in the beautiful Balmoral Estate. A Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852, walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, listening out for the white-water rush of a river and the bright sing-song call of a blackbird. Whether you fancy a mellow circular walk or a more demanding high-level stomp, your guide will be able to suggest the perfect option for you. After lunch, enjoy a private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued with a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Learn about the history of Scotland’s most famous tipple while also having the chance to indulge in a tasting.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 25^th May - South to Gleneagles

Today, leave the pretty stone village of Braemar behind as you travel south to Dunkeld. Stop at the Hermitage for a gentle walk through the leafy woodland. Pass Ossian’s Hall, a folly where you can look out over the cascading falls of the River Braan. Depending on how you feel, there is an option for a shorter or longer walk, both traversing the stunning countryside. Enjoy lunch in Dunkeld, perhaps having a potter around the pretty high street. Continue to your accommodation this afternoon where your guide will say goodbye and you can enjoy some free time in the luxurious surroundings.

Overnight: Perthshire | Self Arranged
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 26^th May - Free Day at Gleneagles

Spend the day at Gleneagles indulging in everything that this glorious playground has to offer.  From falconry to fishing, from gun dogs to golf or from relaxing spa treatments to afternoon tea – there are so many options that you will be spoilt for choice!

Overnight: Perthshire | Self Arranged
Meals Included: None

Day 7 - Monday 27^th May - To Edinburgh

After a relaxing morning at Gleneagles you will be collected by a private transfer driver at lunchtime and taken south across the Firth of Forth to the heart of Edinburgh.  Here you will check into the sister hotel of the Gleneagles estate where you can enjoy a cup of tea by the fire or head out to start exploring the streets of this ancient stronghold.

Meals Included: None

Day 8 - Tuesday 28^th May - A Food Tour of Edinburgh

After breakfast, meet an expert Edinburgh guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a private walking tour of the city. Very accessible on foot, the capital brims with locally sourced culinary delights. As you stroll down cobblestone streets, chat with your guide about the intriguing history of the city, delving deep into the Scottish larder.

This afternoon is free for you to continue exploring the city before one final experience.  Head to the Johnnie Walker Experience where you will enjoy an exclusive experience before ending the day at the rooftop bar raising a glass to the setting sun and reliving the memories you have made.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: Town Bedroom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Wednesday 29^th May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections

Meals Included: Breakfast